The question is in the context Gandhi-lrwin Pact signed on 5th March 1931.

demand of the question:

you should discuss the salient features of the pact, the background in which it was signed , the causes and consequences.

Directive word

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction

One can narrate the background of events briefly that were preceded to the pact.

Body

Discuss the Salient features of the act viz. The Congress would participate in the Round Table Conference, The Congress would discontinue the Civil Disobedience Movement, The Government would withdraw all ordinances issued to curb the Congress etc. Then discuss the pressing congress due to which the pact was signed.

The article provides for an assessment of Multi -Pronged Approach to Urban Transformation in India.

Key demand of the question:

The answer must evaluate the significance of Smart Cities in the development of new urban India. Smart cities are virtue with efficient use of resources; cooperative and competitive federalism; integration, innovation and sustainability; technology and inclusiveness.

Directive word:

Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidences. You have to appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming a personal opinion here.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin with what are smart cities, the critical components such as livability, economic ability and sustainability.

Body:

Discuss the following :

How smart cities help achieve the objective of promoting cities that provide core infrastructure and give a decent quality of life to its citizens, a clean and sustainable environment and application of ‘Smart’ Solutions”.

Discuss the concept of New urban India, link it to the development of Smart cities.

what needs to be done to overcome the present challenges.

Conclusion:

Conclude with optimism, that smart cities are stepping stones to New urban India, they would aid to achieve sustainable growth, make cities more livable & safer with clean air, adequate infrastructure, reliable utilities & opportunities for learning .

General Studies – 2

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Issues related to farm subsidies.

The article provides for a detailed analysis of How the recently enacted bankruptcy code can help fix India’s agrarian crisis and provides for a fresh start’ process in a systematic manner of waiving debts overseen by a judicial body.

Key demand of the question:

The main demand of the question is to explain the importance of private participants in the Indian space industry. What are the Challenges, Opportunities, and Strategic Concerns associated with it.

Directive word:

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Narrate as to how historically, farm loan waivers have been used as a quick-fix solution to agrarian distress in India.

Body:

In such questions it is important to ensure one doesn’t ignore the statement , you are expected to first justify the statement – “Loan waivers are often argued to vitiate credit culture and stress the budgets of the waiving state or central government” with suitable examples or illustrations and then move on discuss the role of IBC as a sure method of providing relief for the distressed Indian farmer.

Conclusion:

Conclude that the problem cannot be fixed with a solution that is one size fits all but rather with a multi – integrated approach.

In continuation of the process of engaging the global strategic community in an annual review of India’s opportunities and challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, the second edition of Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) – 2019 is to be held on 05 and 06 March 2019 at New Delhi and this event is significant with respect to India’s role in the Indo- Pacific region.

Key demand of the question:

The question expects one to appreciate the India’s opportunities in the Indo- Pacific region, the challenges and the emerging role of India in the regional grouping as the United States administration fervently promotes the “Indo–Pacific” as an alternative geopolitical construct to mobilize a large number of countries in the Asia–Pacific region to contain Chinese and Russian influence.

Directive word

Critically analyze – When asked to analyze, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgement.

Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.

Structure of the answer

Introduction:

Start with how the geopolitical construct of “Indo–Pacific” has gained considerable significance in international relations recently and India’s role is significant at this point.

Body:

Body should discuss the following broad aspects in detail –

About the of Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue.

Role that India is playing in the Indo – pacific region.

What are the implications for India and others?

Geopolitical significance. Etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude with India’s strength at the Dialogue, how India is already on the right path and further continued engagements is beneficial to it.

Topic: Union and State Legislatures (structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges; issues therein). Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

The article is in the backdrop of the demand by the political parties for Simultaneous elections in Kashmir the valley.

Key demand of the question:

The answer should discuss and reveal the need for simultaneous elections in India and the fact that the Election Commission of India (EC) has always favored simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, But considering the situations in the country there is an array of argument as to whether elections are to be conducted simultaneously or not.

Structure of the answer

Introduction:

Discuss the context of one nation, one election briefly.

Body:

Discuss – why is the need, what are the advantages of implementing simultaneous elections in terms of massive expenditure;, diversion of security and civil staff from primary duties, impact on governance due to the model code of conduct, and disruption to normal public life etc.

Then bring out the challenges in implementing it along with some demerits of it.

Conclusion –

Conclude with its feasibility as to whether India is ready to embrace such changes.

General Studies – 3

Topic-Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints.

The article discusses the salient features of the agriculture export policy which has been recently released in line with the government’s commitment to double the farmers’ income by 2022.

Key demand of the question

The answer must elaborate in detail about the recently released agriculture export policy, its salient provisions and how it is a positive step in the direction of doubling farmers’ income by 2022.

Directive word

Discuss– this is an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write in detail about the key demand of the question. we also have to discuss about the related and important aspects of the question in order to bring out a complete picture of the issue in hand.

Structure of the answer

Introduction:

One can start with some facts that justify the importance of doubling farmer’s income.

Body:

Discuss – the salient provisions of the policy and how it will help in doubling farmers’ income by 2022. Viz. the aspects of agricultural exports including modernizing infrastructure, standardization of products, streamlining regulations, curtailing knee-jerk decisions, and focusing on research and development activities; also how it seeks to remove all kinds of export restrictions on organic products etc.

Conclusion:

Based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced justification of the topic.

General Studies – 4

Topic: Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance.

The article provides for a detailed analysis of – what are conflicts and how should they ideally be managed.

Key demand of the question:

The answer must discuss the basic premise of what is conflict of interest, examples to explain it clearly , what ways can an administrator manage conflicts. Suggest methods.

Directive word:

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin with what you understand by Conflict of interest with examples.

Body:

Discuss the following :

Definition of a conflict; situations that lead to conflicts, causes, consequences.

Quote examples

Methods of conflict management as an administrator.

Discuss the specific challenges associated.

Conclusion:

Conclude with the importance of conflict management in public services. Explain how it leads to doing the right thing—pursuing the principle of fairness.

NOTE:

We are giving hints for each question. Please use your creativity and originality to come up with answers that are unique to you. But do so without deviating from core demand of each question. Ultimately you should use your reason and judgement to write your own answer.